Man United eye USMNT star as January defensive target

Manchester United are expected to bolster their squad in the Premier League January transfer window.

Erik ten Hag spent in excess of £180m ($238m) in the summer market with three new defenders brought in alongside Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.

Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro will form part of a new-look defensive unit, but ten Hag wants more changes, with the Dutchman still unconvinced by his options at left-back.

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Diogo Dalot has started all three of United's EPL games in that position so far this season but the Portugal star prefers the opposite flank.

Ten Hag wants to bring in a natural left-footed player, and as per the latest update from the Daily Express , Fulham star and USMNT international Antonee Robinson is his No.1 target.

Injuries concerns over Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have strengthened ten Hag's view of needing a long-term solution with a £30m ($40m) offer being prepared.

Robinson has developed into one of the best EPL players in his position in recent seasons but he is under contract with Marco Silva's side until 2028.

United will have to battle to persuade Fulham to sell a key asset, particularly in the mid-season market, but Robinson's stats indicate he is ready to make the move to a bigger Premier League side.

He already has two EPL assists so far this season, but his 2023/24 data is even more impressive, as Fulham's flying full-back.

The 27-year-old completed more crosses in the penalty area than any other defender in the top-flight last season (26) and he was third for tackles by defenders (93) and top for interceptions across all positions (80).